Dividing perennials

Q. When is the best time to divide perennials?

A. Perennials can be divided in either spring or fall. As a general rule, divide spring-blooming plants in the fall and fall-blooming plants in the spring to avoid disrupting their bloom cycles. The majority of perennials are divided in spring when temperatures are cool and soil is moist. Dividing perennials in spring also allows plant roots to become established over the course of the entire growing season. When dividing plants in the fall, allow ample time for roots to become established before winter. For questions regarding dividing specific plants, please contact Plant Information Service.